Despite budget cuts, scientific research continues into outer space

4. Virgin Galactic

Spaceport America will open in New Mexico by the end of the year, ushering in the era of recreational space travel. There, Virgin Galactic will continue test flights for its commercial shuttles. Soon passengers can venture on a 2.5-hour journey to the edge of outer space, 62 miles from terra firma. So far, about 410 people have plunked down deposits for the $200,000 ticket.